1892 Canadian 10-Cent (Dime) Value Guide
Find out what your 1892 Canadian 10-cent piece is worth. Complete price guide covering Small 9, Large 9 Overdate (1892/1), Obverse 5 vs. Obverse 6, and Specimen strikes — all values in CAD as of February 2026.
The 1892 Canadian 10-cent piece is a sterling silver coin (92.5% Ag) with a melt value of approximately $7.50–$8.00 CAD — but even the most worn circulated examples carry a numismatic premium well above that floor.
- Circulated — Small 9, common variety (G4–AU50):$20–$800 CAD
- Circulated — Large 9 / Overdate 1892/1, key variety (G4–AU50):$80–$3,500 CAD
- Uncirculated Small 9 (MS60–MS65):$1,500–$6,500+ CAD
- Uncirculated Large 9 (MS60–MS62):$5,500–$12,000+ CAD
- Specimen (SP63–SP66+):$3,600–$15,000+ CAD — extremely rare
Is it silver? Yes — every genuine 1892 Canadian dime is sterling silver (92.5% Ag, 7.5% Cu) and will not attract a magnet. If yours sticks to a magnet, it is not genuine.
Is it shiny or mirror-like? If the fields appear mirror-bright with razor-sharp, frosted devices and squared rims, you may have one of the extremely rare Specimen strikes worth $3,600–$15,000+ CAD. Authentication by ICCS, PCGS, or NGC is essential to confirm Specimen status.
All values in CAD as of February 2026. The single most important value driver for this issue is variety: a coin misidentified as a common Small 9 may actually be the much rarer Large 9 Overdate (1892/1). See full value chart → | Identify your variety →
1892 Canadian 10-cent piece — Queen Victoria Diademed Head obverse (left) and Crossed Maple Boughs reverse (right). Struck at the Royal Mint, London; no mint mark is present.
The 1892 Canadian 10-cent piece is part of the Victorian Decimal Coinage series (1858–1901) and was struck exclusively at the Royal Mint in London — no mint mark appears on the coin regardless of quality. With a recorded mintage of just 520,000 coins, the 1892 issue is a recognized better date within the series. What makes it especially compelling for variety collectors is the documented presence of two obverse dies — Obverse 5 and Obverse 6 — combined with two distinct date punches (Small 9 and Large 9/Overdate 1892/1), creating four distinct collectible combinations with dramatically different market values. For the full series context across all years and types, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Note: Production anomalies such as die cracks may exist for 1892 but are outside the scope of this standard value guide.
1892 Canadian Dime Composition & Melt Value
Alloy Breakdown
The 1892 dime was struck on sterling silver planchets — the same standard used for Canadian silver coinage throughout the Victorian era. The composition breaks down as follows:
- Silver (Ag): 92.5% — the precious metal content that gives the coin its intrinsic value.
- Copper (Cu): 7.5% — added as a metallurgical hardener. Pure silver is too soft for circulation; the copper alloy provided the durability needed for coins to survive decades of use without wearing smooth prematurely.
Weight and Wear
The nominal weight is 2.32 grams. Coins that have circulated for over 130 years — as virtually all 1892 dimes have — may show measurable mass loss due to metal abrasion. A heavily worn example grading Good (G4) or Very Good (VG8) may weigh slightly less than the nominal standard.
Melt Value
Based on silver spot prices in the range of $3.50–$3.77 CAD per gram as of February 2026, the intrinsic silver melt value of the 1892 dime is approximately $7.50–$8.00 CAD. For current silver spot prices in Canadian dollars, consult a live source such as Canada Gold's daily silver price page.
⚠️ Never Melt a Collectible 1892 Dime
Even in the lowest collectible grade (G4), the numismatic value of the 1892 dime typically starts at $20 CAD — roughly 2.5× its melt value. In higher circulated grades, the premium climbs to 50× or more above metal content. Only a catastrophically damaged coin (holed, bent, or worn completely smooth) would be a candidate for scrap. The Currency Act of Canada also restricts the melting of legal tender coinage.
Magnetic Test
The sterling silver composition of the 1892 dime is non-magnetic. Placing a strong magnet near the coin should produce no attraction. If your coin is attracted to a magnet, it contains a ferrous (iron or steel) core and is not a genuine 1892 Canadian silver dime. This is the fastest single authentication test available without instruments.
1892 Canadian Dime Value Chart by Grade & Variety
The 1892 10-cent issue is divided into four collectible combinations based on two variables: the date punch (Small 9 or Large 9/Overdate 1892/1) and the obverse die (Obverse 5 or Obverse 6). Values differ substantially across these combinations, with the Large 9 Overdate commanding a premium of roughly 3× to 5× the Small 9 at equivalent grades. All values are in CAD as of February 2026.
Grade comparison for the 1892 Canadian dime: heavily worn circulated (left), mid-grade VF (centre), and near-mint AU (right). Note the sharp hair strands and crown detail emerging with grade. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
1892 Canadian Dime — Business Strike, Small 9 (Regular Date)
The Small 9 is the standard date punch for the year; the '9' is proportional in size to the '1' and '8'. It is found paired with both Obverse 5 and Obverse 6. Obverse 6 became the standard for 1893 and later years, making its first appearance here; Obverse 5 is the carry-over from 1891 and is considered slightly scarcer in higher grades.
| Variety | G4 | VG8 | F12 | VF20 | EF40 | AU50 | MS60 | MS63 | MS65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small 9 — Obverse 6 | $20 | $35 | $65 | $130 | $300 | $800 | $1,500 | $2,800 | $6,500+ |
| Small 9 — Obverse 5 | $25 | $50 | $90 | $175 | $400 | $1,000 | $1,800 | $3,500 | — |
Obverse 5 carries a consistent premium over Obverse 6 across all grades due to its status as the older, phased-out die. The MS65 value for Obverse 5 is not documented; examples in that grade are exceptionally rare. For ICCS-certified examples, see the Canadian Coin & Currency listing for a Small 9 Obverse 5 ICCS VF-30 and the NGC Price Guide for Victorian Canadian 10 Cents.
⚠️ Never Clean Your 1892 Dime
Victorian silver commonly develops dark grey or black toning (patina) over 130+ years. This is desirable. Dipping or polishing the coin to make it appear bright will destroy original luster and create hairlines visible under magnification. A cleaned coin receives a "Details — Cleaned" designation from grading services and loses all numismatic premium regardless of its underlying detail quality.
1892 Canadian Dime — Business Strike, Large 9 / Overdate (1892/1)
The Large 9 is universally identified as the 1892 over 1891 (2/1) overdate: the 1892 date was punched over a die originally prepared for 1891, leaving traces of the underlying '1' visible beneath the '2'. All Large 9 coins are overdates — the two designations are interchangeable in the market. This variety is a standard Charlton listing and commands a substantial premium in every grade. The Large 9 Obverse 5 pairing is generally considered scarcer than the Obverse 6 pairing, commanding approximately 20–30% more in circulated grades. In Mint State, the Large 9 Obverse 5 is virtually non-existent in grading service population reports.
| Variety | G4 | VG8 | F12 | VF20 | EF40 | AU50 | MS60 | MS62 | MS64 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large 9 (2/1) — Obverse 5 | $100 | $200 | $400 | $900 | $1,800 | $3,500 | $7,000 | $12,000 | RARE |
| Large 9 (2/1) — Obverse 6 | $80 | $150 | $300 | $600 | $1,200 | $2,500 | $5,500 | $9,000 | RARE |
"RARE" indicates the grade is known to exist but is so seldom encountered that standard pricing is not applicable — realized values are highly situational. A VF-30 Large 9 Obverse 5 example was listed at approximately $1,750 CAD by one dealer, while a VF-20 auction estimate opened above $1,000 CAD, indicating the mid-grade market for this variety regularly exceeds baseline catalogue values. See recent Canadian auction results from TCNC Prominence XI Sale (November 2024) and the TCNC New Year's 2025 Sale.
1892 Canadian Dime — Specimen (SP) Strikes
Specimen strikings for 1892 are confirmed by PCGS population reports and auction records. These were presentation-quality coins struck for sets or dignitaries and were never issued for general circulation. An estimated fewer than 50 are believed to survive. Specimen coins must be certified by a major grading service (PCGS, NGC, or ICCS) to confirm their status — do not assume any bright, sharp example is automatically a Specimen without professional authentication.
| Finish | SP63 | SP64 | SP65 | SP66+ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen (SP) | $3,600 | $5,500 | $9,500 | $15,000+ | Authentication by PCGS/NGC/ICCS required. Historical auction: PCGS SP63 sold for ~$3,600 USD (~$4,800 CAD). A top-grade Cornerstone Collection-level example (SP66+) would likely exceed $15,000 CAD today. |
Specimen auction records are documented at Stack's Bowers January 2024 NYINC Auction (NumisBids). PCGS population data is maintained at the PCGS Population Report for Victorian Canadian silver issues.
Values in CAD represent typical market prices as of February 2026. For the complete denomination price guide across all years, see our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
Most Valuable 1892 Canadian Dime Varieties
The 1892 10-cent issue offers genuine cherry-picking opportunities: the Large 9 Overdate variety is sometimes found misattributed in lower-grade dealer bins. Identifying your exact variety is the single most impactful step you can take before having the coin appraised or certified.
A. Trophy-Level Varieties (Highest Documented Values)
| Description | Why It Commands a Premium | Grade Required | Estimated Value (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1892 Specimen (SP) | Estimated fewer than 50 survive; struck as presentation pieces, never for circulation | SP65+ | $12,000–$18,000+ |
| 1892 Large 9 / Obv. 5 (MS63+) | Rarest circulation variety combination in Mint State; virtually absent from population reports | MS63+ | $10,000–$15,000 |
| 1892 Large 9 / Obv. 6 (MS62+) | Major Charlton-listed variety; extremely rare in Mint State | MS62+ | $5,000–$8,000 |
| 1892 Small 9 (MS66) | Condition rarity; very few survived in Gem state across 130+ years | MS66 | $3,000–$5,000 |
Close-up of the 1892/1 overdate: the tail of the '9' is bold and thick, and a vertical stroke — the stem of the underlying '1' — is visible inside or beneath the '2'. This trace is the definitive diagnostic for the Large 9 Overdate variety. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
B. Findable Varieties — The Cherry-Picker's Guide
These varieties can be identified by examining coins already in your possession or found in dealer stock. A loupe or magnifier of at least 5× to 10× power is recommended.
| Variety | Charlton Ref. | Key Diagnostic | Why Scarcer | Typical Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large 9 / Overdate (1892/1) | Charlton listed | '9' is bolder/taller; trace of '1' visible within the '2' of the date | Die reuse; lower production run on this hub | 3× – 5× Small 9 base price |
| Obverse 5 (either date) | N/A | Upper eyelid overshoots corner of eye; outer ear is circular with single opening | Older die type, phased out after 1892 | ~20% – 50% over Obverse 6 |
| Obverse 6 (either date) | N/A | Upper eyelid straight to corner; outer ear is "D"-shaped | New standard die; more prevalent in 1892 | Base (standard) |
Obverse 5 vs. Obverse 6 diagnostic comparison. LEFT (Obverse 5): the upper eyelid curves back and overshoots the corner; the outer ear is circular. RIGHT (Obverse 6): the upper eyelid is straight; the outer ear is "D"-shaped. Obverse 5 commands a 20–50% premium. Use a 5×–10× loupe. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
How to Identify the Large 9 / Overdate (1892/1) Step by Step
- Check the '9': Is it bolder, taller, or fuller than the '1' and '8' in the date? If yes, proceed to step 2.
- Examine the '2': Under magnification, look for a vertical line — the stem of the underlying '1' — visible inside the loop of the '2', or a base stroke of the '1' near the bottom of the '2'.
- Confirm: All Large 9 coins are 1892/1 overdates. The terms are interchangeable in the market. If you see the overdate trace, you have the key variety.
Saskatoon Coin Club hosts detailed variety images and diagnostic guides at Canadian 10 Cent Coin Major Varieties and Canadian 10 Cent Obverse Design Evolution.
1892 Canadian Dime Identification Guide
Use this 30-second checklist to confirm exactly what you have before assessing value. Work through each step in order.
Step 1 — Confirm Basic Identity
- Monarch: The obverse must show Queen Victoria's Mature (Diademed) Head. If you see King Edward VII (bare, older male portrait), the coin is from a different series and date.
- Reverse: Crossed Maple Boughs surmounted by the St. Edward's Crown. The legend reads CANADA above and 10 CENTS with the date 1892 within the wreath.
- Date: Confirms 1892 at the base of the reverse.
- Denomination: "10 CENTS" must be clearly legible.
Step 2 — Magnet Test (Composition Authentication)
The magnet test: a genuine 1892 Canadian dime is sterling silver and will show zero attraction to a strong rare-earth magnet. Any attraction indicates a ferrous (iron or steel) core — the coin is not genuine.
Apply a strong rare-earth magnet to the coin. A genuine 1892 Canadian dime is sterling silver (92.5% Ag) and will show no magnetic attraction whatsoever. If the coin pulls toward the magnet, it contains a ferrous metal core and is not authentic. This test takes under five seconds and requires no expertise.
Step 3 — Mint Mark Check
No mint mark is present on the 1892 issue. The coin was struck exclusively at the Royal Mint in London (Tower Hill). No "H" (Heaton, Birmingham) mint mark appears on the 1892 dime — that mark is present on other dates in the series but not this one. If you see an "H" on a supposed 1892 dime, verify the date carefully. There are no other documented distinguishing marks for this year.
Step 4 — Identify Your Date Variety
Small 9 (left) vs. Large 9 / Overdate 1892/1 (right). On the Large 9, the '9' is visibly bolder and taller; a red arrow highlights the trace of the underlying '1' visible within the loop of the '2'. The Large 9 is worth 3×–5× more than the Small 9 at equivalent grades. Use a 5×–10× loupe for this check. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
- Small 9 (Common): The '9' is proportional in size to the '1' and '8'. The date looks balanced and even.
- Large 9 / Overdate 1892/1 (Key Variety): The '9' appears bolder or taller. Under magnification, look for the trace of a vertical bar (the stem of the '1') inside or beneath the loop of the '2'. If present, this is the valuable overdate variety.
Step 5 — Identify Your Obverse Die
A 5× or 10× loupe is necessary for this step. Focus on the area of the eye and ear in the Victoria portrait.
- Obverse 5 (Premium Die): Upper eyelid curves back and overshoots the corner of the eye. Outer ear is circular with a single opening. Hair at the temple shows three large strands with less fine detail.
- Obverse 6 (Standard Die): Upper eyelid is straight to the corner of the eye. Outer ear is "D"-shaped. The first hair strand joins the second at the temple with more fine detail visible.
Obverse 5 commands a 20–50% premium in circulated grades and is considered the scarcer die pairing, especially in higher grades.
Step 6 — Identify Finish (Business Strike vs. Specimen)
Business Strike vs. Specimen finish comparison. LEFT (Business Strike): cartwheel luster in protected areas, standard flow lines in the fields, devices share the same surface texture. RIGHT (Specimen): mirror-bright or matte fields, razor-sharp devices with squared-off wire rims, devices often appear to float above the field due to the contrasting surface treatment. Specimen status requires professional certification. (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin)
- Business Strike (Circulation): The fields (background) show standard die flow lines or, if uncirculated, cartwheel luster when tilted under a light. Devices (the portrait and wreath) share the same basic surface texture as the fields. Handling marks and bag marks may be present even on uncirculated examples.
- Specimen (SP) — Extremely Rare: The fields appear mirror-bright (or matte/satin depending on the specific specimen preparation method) and stand in clear visual contrast to the devices. The rims are characteristically squared-off (wire rims) rather than rounded as on business strikes. The strike is razor-sharp, with design elements appearing crisply delineated even at low magnification. Specimens must be authenticated and certified by PCGS, NGC, or ICCS — never accept a raw coin as a Specimen without third-party confirmation.
ℹ️ ICCS vs. PCGS / NGC for the 1892 Dime
For circulated examples (G through EF), a raw coin or ICCS-certified example is standard in the Canadian market. ICCS (International Coin Certification Service) is the Canadian grading benchmark and their holders carry strong liquidity at domestic auctions. For a high-value Mint State example or a Specimen, a PCGS "Gold Shield" holder — which guarantees variety attribution for overdates — often realizes a premium at auction due to registry set demand in the global market. For either service, the cost of grading is only justified when the coin's value is clearly above the submission fee and return shipping.
1892 Canadian Dime Value FAQs
What is a 1892 Canadian dime worth?
Value depends heavily on variety and grade. A common Small 9 in circulated condition (G4 to AU50) is worth approximately $20–$800 CAD. The rare Large 9 Overdate (1892/1) starts at $80 CAD in G4 and climbs to $3,500 CAD in AU50. Uncirculated (Mint State) examples of any variety are far scarcer and begin at $1,500 CAD for the common Small 9 in MS60. Specimen (SP) strikes are in a different tier entirely, ranging from approximately $3,600 CAD at SP63 to over $15,000 CAD for superior examples. All values as of February 2026.
Is the 1892 Canadian dime rare?
With a mintage of 520,000 coins, the 1892 issue is a recognized "better date" in the Victorian series — not the rarest date, but significantly scarcer than the multi-million production figures of the Edwardian and later eras. Within that mintage, the four distinct variety combinations (Small 9/Obverse 5, Small 9/Obverse 6, Large 9/Obverse 5, Large 9/Obverse 6) each represent a fraction of the total, meaning any one specific combination survives in relatively small numbers. In Mint State, the 1892 dime in any variety is a genuine rarity — very few were preserved uncirculated at the time of striking.
What is the Large 9 / 1892/1 overdate, and how do I find it?
The Large 9 is actually an overdate: the 1892 date was punched into a die that had already been prepared with an 1891 date. The '9' in the date appears bolder and taller than on the standard Small 9, and — critically — traces of the underlying '1' from 1891 can be seen as a faint vertical stroke within or beneath the loop of the '2'. To check, use a 5×–10× loupe and examine the '2' closely. If you see a ghost vertical line inside the '2', you have the key variety, worth roughly 3× to 5× the standard Small 9 price at the same grade. The terms "Large 9" and "1892/1 overdate" refer to the same coin.
How do I tell Obverse 5 from Obverse 6 on a 1892 dime?
You need a loupe (5× minimum). On Obverse 5, the upper eyelid of Queen Victoria's portrait curves back and overshoots the corner of the eye, and the outer ear has a circular opening. On Obverse 6, the upper eyelid runs straight to the corner of the eye, and the outer ear is "D"-shaped. The Obverse 5 pairing carries a roughly 20–50% premium over Obverse 6 in circulated grades and is considered the scarcer die. Detailed photographic guides are available from the Saskatoon Coin Club's Obverse Design Evolution article.
Is my 1892 Canadian dime made of silver?
Yes — every 1892 Canadian 10-cent piece is struck on sterling silver planchets (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper). The coin is non-magnetic: test it with a strong magnet. If it is attracted to the magnet, it is not genuine. The intrinsic silver melt value is approximately $7.50–$8.00 CAD at February 2026 spot prices, but even heavily worn examples carry numismatic value substantially above the melt floor.
Should I clean my toned or dark 1892 dime?
No — never clean it. Victorian silver naturally develops dark grey or black toning (patina) over more than a century of exposure to air and storage materials. This original toning is expected and acceptable to collectors; it does not reduce value. Dipping the coin in a chemical cleaner or polishing it will strip the original luster, create hairlines visible under magnification, and result in a permanent "Details — Cleaned" or "Improperly Cleaned" designation from any grading service. A cleaned 1892 dime can lose 50% or more of its numismatic premium immediately and irreversibly. Collectors and dealers universally prefer original, undisturbed surfaces — even dark ones — over artificially brightened coins.
Should I get my 1892 dime professionally graded?
The decision hinges on the coin's estimated value versus grading costs. For a common Small 9 in circulated grades (G4 to F12), where values range from $20 to $65 CAD, third-party grading fees typically exceed the coin's value and are not economical. At VF20 and above — especially for the Large 9 Overdate, or any Mint State example — the premium that a certified coin commands at auction usually justifies the cost. For the Large 9 variety specifically, PCGS "Gold Shield" certification (which guarantees overdate attribution) can meaningfully increase realized prices with registry set collectors. ICCS is the preferred service for domestic Canadian auctions; PCGS and NGC provide access to the broader international market.
What makes a 1892 Specimen (SP) so rare and valuable?
Specimen coins were struck with specially prepared dies on carefully selected planchets as presentation pieces — likely for dignitaries, government officials, or display sets. They were never intended for circulation. Fewer than an estimated 50 are believed to survive. Their surfaces (mirror-bright or matte fields contrasting sharply with crisp, squared-off devices) are visually unmistakable under magnification compared to business strikes. Authentication and certification by PCGS, NGC, or ICCS is required to confirm Specimen status. Values documented from auction records range from approximately $3,600 CAD at SP63 to well over $15,000 CAD for a superior SP66+ example.
Where can I find mintage and variety data for the 1892 dime?
The recorded mintage of 520,000 coins for the 1892 issue is documented by the Saskatoon Coin Club's Canadian Circulation Coin Mintage Quantities. Variety identification (Large 9/Overdate, Obverse die types) is covered by the Canadian 10 Cent Coin Major Varieties article. The Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins is the definitive print reference for variety attributions and Charlton catalogue numbers. The NGC Price Guide for KM 3 Victorian Canadian 10 Cents provides an additional certified-coin pricing baseline.
Methodology & Sources
Values in this guide reflect market prices as of February 2026 in Canadian Dollars (CAD), synthesized from recent auction results, dealer price lists, and established catalogue references. Prices represent typical realized or asking values for certified (ICCS/PCGS/NGC) and strictly graded raw examples; individual coins may realize higher or lower prices depending on eye appeal, originality of surfaces, and current market demand.
Primary Sources:
- Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins — variety attributions and primary series reference
- NGC Price Guide — Victorian Canadian 10 Cents (KM 3)
- PCGS Population Report — Victorian Canadian Silver Specimens
- Stack's Bowers & Ponterio January 2024 NYINC Auction (NumisBids)
- TCNC Prominence XI Sale, November 2024
- TCNC New Year's Sale 2025
- Saskatoon Coin Club — Canadian 10 Cent Coin Major Varieties
- Calgary Coin — Canadian 10 Cent Dime Buy & Sell Reference
- Numista — 1892 Canadian 10 Cents (Victoria)
Prices are indicative and may change as the market evolves. This guide covers standard (non-error) values only. For the complete denomination series guide, visit our Canadian Dime Value Guide.
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.